Washington asks schools to stop using Native American mascots

The Washington State Board of Education approved a resolution urging districts to discontinue the use of Native American mascots.

The resolution echoes the 2005 American Psychological Association report citing the adverse effect of Native American mascots on students. Several states, including Oregon in 2012, have passed resolutions related to the Native American mascot issue.

Locally, no decision has been announced for the South Bend Indians or the Rochester School District Warriors, Braves, and Little Chiefs.

The decision to adopt or alter a school’s mascot or logo is a local one. However, State Board of Education members hope that this resolution will prompt districts to reevaluate their policies regarding the use of mascots that are potentially derogatory or damaging to the students those districts serve.